Buffon receives touching tributes from world's best on Twitter following retirement

A flood of touching tributes was directed at Gianluigi Buffon on Twitter after his decision to retire from international football.

Buffon suffered a heartbreaking end to his international career as Italy lost on aggregate to Sweden following a 0-0 draw at San Siro yesterday, failing to qualify for next year's World Cup for the first time since 1958.

The world’s best, among which other sports' legends, were quick to express their support and praise for the long-serving keeper.

Buffon's retirement comes just three months before he turns 40 in January, with Danieli De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli also putting an end to their international careers. He won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, beating France in the final, and donned the silver medal in the UEFA European Championship six years later.

He made his debut for Italy in 1997 and played in five World Cups - 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014.